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Winter Market to open January 6
EASTON, Pa. – Since 1752, the Easton Farmers’ Market has attracted people with the promise of fresh, locally grown foods and handmade merchandise. And in 2023 the oldest, continually operating outdoor farmers’ market in the country saw record attendance with 70,000 shoppers – a 19 percent increase over 2022 — and a 20 percent increase in vendor sales.
“When you’ve been doing something for 271 years, having a record year is a truly remarkable achievement,” said Megan McBride, Manager of the Easton Farmers’ Market, which is operated by the not-for-profit Greater Easton Development Partnership. “It’s a tribute to the growth of Easton as one of the mid-Atlantic’s premier food destinations, the exceptional quality and variety of our vendors, and the reputation of our market as a must-visit destination in the region.”
On September 2 the EFM had a single-day attendance record with 3,198 visitors as shoppers enjoyed the Funky Ferments Fest and started their Labor Day weekend with a beautiful morning at the market’s Scott Park location at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers. Other annual celebrations of local, seasonal food and cultural events – such Strawberry Day, Juneteenth, Honey Bee Day, Peach Day, Apple Jam, and Hispanic Cultural Day – helped generate additional interest in the market every two or three weeks.
On the heels of a record 2023, The Easton Farmers’ Market will open its Winter Market on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon in the 300 block of Northampton Street in front of the Easton Public Market. More than 20 vendors are already lined up to provide a variety of winter produce – think root vegetables, hearty squashes and greenhouse-grown items – and locally-made goods like bread, desserts, sauces and ready-to-eat items. “Winter Market allows us to maintain the spirit of Easton Farmers’ Market all year long,” said McBride. Easton Winter Market will accept SNAP and provide a match in ‘food bucks’ via The Food Trust. The Winter Warriors rewards card will be offered again this year where market goers can earn a prize for every four consecutive markets attended. Squash Fest will be the first major celebration on January 27, including a delightful spread of squash-related items and activities!
2024 Winter Market Vendor Line-up:
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Apple Ridge Farm
AquaSprout Farms LLC
Bizzle’s Bites (every other week starting 1/13)
Breakaway Farms
Cabbage Throw Farm LLC
Cody’s Eats & Sweets (Tomato Pie!) (once monthly: 1/27, 2/24, 3/30, 4/27)
Easton Salsa Co.
Funny Farm Apiaries (every other week starting 1/13)
Jersey Pickles
Mattie’s Strudel Haus
Mia & Maddie’s Bakery
Portch Tea LLC
Primordia Mushroom Farm
River Valley Community Grains (every other week starting 1/13)
Roastwell Coffee Roasters
Saint Rocco’s Treats (every other week starting 1/6)
Salvaterra’s Gardens
Scholl Orchards
Silverback Distillery (every other week starting 1/13)
The Flour Shop Bakery
Wild for Salmon (once monthly) (1/20, 3/17, 3/16, 4/20)
Zekraft
Those interested in vending opportunities in the 2024 season should contact megan@eastonpartnership.org.
A driver of tourism and economic development
McBride said that surveys showed that 21.8 percent of market goers were first-time visitors in 2023. She said it is not uncommon to meet guests visiting from the New York City and Philadelphia metro areas as they kick off a day trip or long weekend in Easton.
According to a survey conducted by Buy Fresh Buy Local Greater Lehigh Valley, the Easton Farmers’ Market average consumer spends well above regional and national averages with 43.5 percent of shoppers spending more than $31 per week.
“Easton Farmers Market was one of two markets that we participated in during our very first year in business in 2012. For many years it was slow but steady, with an enthusiastic customer base. When the pandemic hit we saw a huge leap in both attendance and interest in mushrooms generally. It was exciting and wonderful but we expected that it would fade as people returned to their pre-pandemic patterns.
This past season, though, has brought brand new faces to almost every single market. Our sales have jumped tremendously, in the past year, reaching record sales days, even as the pandemic fears are fading. I also love seeing the same shoppers that I’ve been seeing since 2012. We have had such a loyal customer base, and it has been exciting to watch that base grow over the years. We are grateful that EFM management made the decision to move to the riverfront so that more products and vendors could be accommodated, and people could spread out and enjoy the beautiful setting. EFM has done a wonderful job promoting the market, and serving the needs of the community. ”
-Jesse Tobin of Primordia Mushroom Farm
“The Easton Farmers’ Market has been an essential part of our growing business. The success and expansion of the market has directly helped increase our sales from year to year as well as build our Community Supported Agriculture Program. We are happy to share in a community space to support small and local businesses.”
-Cabbage Throw Farm
In 2024, EFM plans to expand and promote environmentally friendly and traffic-reducing
transportation methods such as walking, cycling and public transportation. “Easton has a vibrant walking and bicycle culture and a LANTA bus station only two blocks from the market. We’re looking to continue building on all three in 2024 in addition to introducing the Market to all of the new residents that Easton is welcoming in the next 12 months.”
About Easton Farmers’ Market/GEDP
Easton Farmers’ Market (EFM) is a program of the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP) and part of Easton’s Market District. EFM is America’s longest continuously-running open-air market. It is a producer-only market that features fresh, local produce – the vast majority of which is naturally or organically grown. Customers will also find antibiotic and hormone-free, pasture-raised meats, fresh baked goods, and ready-to-eat items. LVHN is a premier sponsor of the Easton Farmers’ Market. More: eastonfarmersmarket.com.
GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on Easton’s economic well-being, historical integrity, programmatic development, vibrant culture and hospitality. GEDP comprises Easton Farmers’ Market, Easton Main Street Initiative, Easton Public Market, West Ward Market PA Bacon Fest, the Easton Ambassadors and many other programs. More: eastonpartnership.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Jessica Ferrara
Communications Media Manager
Greater Easton Development Partnership
https://eastonpartnership.org/
